Hey there, food fanatics! Jason Griffith here, and today we’re taking a humble classic and elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready for my Bacon Loaded Cheesy Pierogies – a ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying, and utterly irresistible dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. If you love crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender pierogies, you’re in for a treat!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about combining three amazing things: pierogies, bacon, and cheese? This recipe is a revelation because it takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The pierogies get wonderfully golden and slightly crispy, the bacon adds that irreplaceable salty, smoky crunch, and the melted cheddar ties it all together with a creamy, rich embrace. Add a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and you have a dish that’s a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s pure comfort, incredibly satisfying, and always a huge hit whenever I make it.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious bacon-loaded cheesy pierogies:

• 1 package of frozen pierogies (potato and cheese are classic, but use your favorite!)
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to play around with it!

• Pierogies: While potato and cheese pierogies are my go-to, feel free to use any variety you love – onion, mushroom, or even sweet pierogies for a unique twist (though you might want to adjust the savory toppings then!).
• Cheese: Don’t limit yourself to cheddar! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, or a sharp provolone would all melt beautifully and add different flavor profiles. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end wouldn’t hurt either.
• Bacon: If you want to make this even quicker, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits, but cooking fresh bacon and using a little of the rendered fat for cooking the pierogies adds incredible flavor.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative to sour cream, offering a similar tang.
• Add-ins: Sautéed onions or mushrooms cooked in the bacon fat before adding the pierogies would be a fantastic addition. A pinch of garlic powder with the cheese would also be delicious.

List of Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get these cheesy, bacon-y pierogies sizzling!

1. Cook the Pierogies: First things first, get your pierogies ready. Cook them according to the package instructions. You can either boil them until tender or pan-fry them directly from frozen until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. If boiling, drain them very well.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the pierogies are cooking (or beforehand), cook the bacon in a large skillet until it’s wonderfully crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and once cooled slightly, crumble it. Keep a little of that delicious bacon fat in the skillet!
3. Crisp Up Pierogies (if boiled): If you boiled your pierogies, add them to the same skillet with a tablespoon or two of the rendered bacon fat (or a little butter/oil) over medium heat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are heated through and have developed a nice golden crispness.
4. Melt the Cheese: Once the pierogies are hot and crispy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, bubbly layer, which usually takes just a minute or two.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the cheesy pierogies generously with the crumbled bacon, dollops of sour cream, and a scattering of chopped green onions.
6. Season & Enjoy: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot immediately and dig into your delicious Bacon Loaded Cheesy Pierogies!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When pan-frying pierogies, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures they crisp up nicely instead of steaming.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: The texture of crispy bacon is essential here. Don’t undercook it!
• Cheese Melting: Covering the skillet with a lid is the secret to perfectly melted cheese without drying out the pierogies.
• Serve Immediately: Pierogies are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when they’re hot and the cheese is still melty.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Bacon Loaded Cheesy Pierogies are hearty enough to be a main course, especially when paired with a light side. They also make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for a casual meal.

They pair wonderfully with:

• A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• A side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
• For a fun, cheesy meal theme, consider serving them alongside my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re making this for a gathering, our Crockpot Nacho Dip would be another crowd-pleasing addition.

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these are best eaten fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, the best way to maintain some crispness is to warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes. The microwave will work, but they might be a bit softer. You might want to add a fresh dollop of sour cream and green onions after reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, savory goodness of these pierogies, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular comfort food recipes:

• Another cheesy sensation, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• For more cheesy, dippable fun, check out How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
• And if you’re looking for another comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, these Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.

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Final Thoughts

These Bacon Loaded Cheesy Pierogies are a testament to how quickly and easily you can create something truly spectacular. They’re hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy those comfort food cravings. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a new favorite in your rotation!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy pierogies? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes!